Can I still drive if I haven't received the annual inspection sticker after successful application?
2 Answers
Vehicles without the valid inspection sticker are not allowed to be driven on the road. Penalties for not displaying the annual vehicle inspection sticker: In severe cases, the vehicle may be impounded. Vehicle owners can apply for and receive the inspection sticker at the vehicle management office up to three months before the expiration of the current inspection period. The vehicle management department should confirm the vehicle, review the submitted documents, and issue the inspection sticker within one day of accepting the application. If a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display the license plate, inspection sticker, insurance sticker, or does not carry the vehicle registration certificate or driver's license, the traffic management authorities will impound the vehicle and require the owner to provide the corresponding documents, stickers, or complete the necessary procedures. Legal regulations regarding the placement of the annual vehicle inspection sticker: Article 13 of the 'Traffic Law Management Regulations' issued by the State Council stipulates: Vehicles driven on the road must display the inspection sticker and insurance sticker on the upper right corner of the front windshield.
Since the application was successful but you haven't received the annual inspection sticker, honestly I think it's better not to drive for now. Traffic regulations clearly state that vehicles must display a valid annual inspection sticker, otherwise it may be considered as driving without proper certification. You could be stopped by traffic police with fines starting from 200 yuan and penalty points affecting your license. Why? Because during on-site checks, officers only accept physical stickers or electronic proof - if you haven't received it, you can't present anything. I've seen a friend get fined before - better contact the local DMV immediately to check mailing status or visit in person for a replacement. Many cities now support electronic annual inspection stickers that can be downloaded and displayed on your phone, saving the hassle. However, electronic versions may not be valid nationwide, so check local policies first. Don't risk driving - safety comes first. Waiting a few days beats getting a ticket, and it's a good chance to check your vehicle's condition for stability.
